Ex-Red Sox Pitcher Makes NL Team’s Opening Day Roster, ‘Expected’ To Be In Starting Rotation
Former Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler has made the San Diego Padres’ Opening Day roster and is “expected to” be in the team’s starting rotation, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune.
“This was determined after he displayed a varied and effective pitch mix while allowing two runs on eight hits over 8⅔ innings in his past two Cactus League starts,” the Padres beat writer said. “Buehler and Germán Márquez are expected to man the final two spots in the rotation to begin the season — after incumbent starters Nick Pivetta, Michael King and Randy Vásquez.”
Buehler signed a minor-league deal with San Diego in mid-February and made his spring training debut with his new club in early March.
The two-time All-Star signed with the Red Sox in December 2024 after spending the first eight years of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Buehler earned both of his All-Star honors and won two World Series titles during his stay in Los Angeles but went just 7-7 with a 5.45 ERA in Beantown before being released in August.
He joined the Philadelphia Phillies and went 3-0 with a 0.66 ERA across 13 2/3 innings pitched covering three games (two starts) with the NL East club.
The 31-year-old Buehler is 2-0 with a 3.09 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 11 2/3 innings pitched this spring with the Padres.
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